Surfskate vs Longboard vs Skateboard: What's the Difference?
Surfskates use pivoting trucks for carving and pumping, longboards are built for speed and cruising, and skateboards are designed for tricks. Compare all three.
A surfskate is a skateboard with a pivoting front truck that simulates surfing through deep carving and pumping (no pushing required). A longboard is a longer, more stable board designed for cruising, downhill, and pushing over distances. A skateboard is a shorter board with a double kicktail designed for tricks, ollies, and street/park riding. The key difference is the front truck: surfskates pivot freely for surf-like turns, while longboards and skateboards use standard trucks that only lean. Use our catalog to explore 127 verified surfskate models.
Quick comparison table
| Feature | Surfskate | Longboard | Skateboard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 28”–37” | 33”–46” | 28”–32” |
| Truck type | Pivoting front truck | Standard RKP/TKP | Standard TKP |
| Primary movement | Pump (body motion) | Push (foot on ground) | Push + tricks |
| Turn radius | Very tight | Wide | Medium |
| Stability | Medium | High | Medium-High |
| Top speed | Low-Medium | High | Medium |
| Tricks | No (carving only) | Limited (slides) | Yes (full trick range) |
| Best surface | Smooth pavement | Any pavement | Smooth concrete |
| Learning curve | Easy-Medium | Easy | Hard |
| Price range | €100–400 | €80–300 | €60–250 |
Wheelbase is one of the most important specs that separates these board types — see our wheelbase guide for a deep dive on how it affects ride feel.
How each board moves
The most fundamental difference between these three boards is how you generate speed.
Surfskate: pumping
On a surfskate, you move forward by shifting your weight in a rhythmic, wave-like motion — a technique called pumping. Your feet never leave the board. The pivoting front truck converts your side-to-side body movement into forward momentum. Learn more about this in our guide on what is a surfskate.
This is what makes surfskating feel like surfing: your whole body flows in connected, carving arcs.
Longboard: pushing
On a longboard, you push with one foot on the ground to build speed, then ride with both feet on the board. Some longboard styles (like carving longboards) allow some pumping, but it’s not the primary movement.
Longboards excel at covering distance efficiently. A single push carries you far because of the large, soft wheels and low ride height.
Skateboard: pushing + tricks
On a skateboard, you push for speed just like a longboard, but the board is also designed for tricks — ollies, kickflips, grinds, and slides. The double kicktail and smaller, harder wheels are built for impact and precision, not comfort or distance.
The truck difference explained
The front truck is the single biggest difference between a surfskate and everything else.
Standard trucks (longboard and skateboard) lean on a fixed kingpin. When you shift your weight, the bushings compress and the truck tilts, but the hanger stays relatively fixed. The turn is limited and proportional to how hard you lean.
Surfskate trucks pivot freely around a separate axis. When you shift your weight, the entire hanger swings side to side, creating a much wider turn arc. This pivot action is what enables pumping and deep carving without pushing. There are several different surfskate truck designs — learn about them in our truck types explained guide.
Think of it this way:
- Standard truck = car steering (turn the wheel, the car follows)
- Surfskate truck = surfboard fin (shift your weight, the board carves)
Who should choose what
Choose a surfskate if you want to:
- Simulate surfing on land
- Carve deep, flowing turns
- Get a full-body workout without pushing
- Practice surf maneuvers (bottom turns, cutbacks)
- Experience “flow state” riding
Surfskates are the right choice for surfers training on flat days, fitness enthusiasts looking for fun exercise, and anyone who wants a flowing, carving ride. Not sure where to start? Read our guide on choosing your first surfskate. Browse our surfskate catalog with 127 models from 20 brands.
Choose a longboard if you want to:
- Cruise long distances comfortably
- Commute to work or school
- Ride downhill at speed
- Have maximum stability
- Carry the board as daily transport
Longboards excel at practical transportation and relaxed cruising. They’re the most stable option and the easiest to learn.
Choose a skateboard if you want to:
- Learn tricks (ollies, kickflips, grinds)
- Ride street, park, or vert
- Have the most versatile trick board
- Ride with the largest community
- Access the most parks and infrastructure
Skateboards are the right choice if tricks are your priority. No other board type can match the trick capability of a standard skateboard.
Can you combine purposes?
Some boards blur the lines:
- Surfskate with kicktail: Some surfskates have a functional kicktail for basic tricks alongside carving. These are “hybrid” category boards.
- Carving longboard: Some longboards have loose trucks for carving, but they don’t pivot like a surfskate and can’t pump efficiently.
- Surfskate adapter: The Waterborne Surf Adapter converts any existing skateboard or longboard into a surfskate, letting you experiment without buying a full board.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a surfskate for commuting?
You can, but it’s not ideal for long distances. Surfskates are designed for carving, not straight-line speed. For short commutes (under 2 km) on smooth pavement, a surfskate works fine. For longer distances, a longboard is more efficient because you can push and coast.
Is a surfskate easier to ride than a skateboard?
For basic riding (standing, cruising, turning), yes. Surfskates don’t require pushing — the pumping motion is intuitive. However, surfskates are less stable at high speed and can’t do tricks. For beginners who just want to ride and feel flow, surfskating is generally easier and more immediately rewarding than skateboarding.
Can you do tricks on a surfskate?
Deep carving and pumping are the main activities. Some surfskates with kicktails allow basic tricks like kickturns, reverts, and shuvits. But ollies, kickflips, and grinds are not practical on surfskates — the pivoting truck, higher ride height, and large soft wheels are designed for carving, not impact.
What’s cheaper — a surfskate, longboard, or skateboard?
Skateboards are the most affordable, with quality completes starting around €60–80. Longboards range from €80–300. Surfskates range from €100–400, with the truck system being the most expensive component. Mid-range surfskates (€150–250) offer the best value. Check our catalog to compare prices across 127 models.
Can I convert a longboard into a surfskate?
Yes, using an adapter like the Waterborne Surf Adapter. It replaces or augments the front truck with a surf-style pivoting mechanism. This is a cost-effective way to try surfskating (€60–80 for the adapter) if you already own a longboard or skateboard.